U.S. patent application number 10/660145 was filed with the patent office on 2004-03-11 for soft-sided carrying case.
This patent application is currently assigned to HIGH SIERRA SPORT COMPANY. Invention is credited to Bernbaum, L. Harrison, Vermillion, Scott A..
Application Number | 20040045780 10/660145 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26921280 |
Filed Date | 2004-03-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040045780 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bernbaum, L. Harrison ; et
al. |
March 11, 2004 |
Soft-sided carrying case
Abstract
A soft-sided carrying case having pivotable upper compartments
is disclosed. The soft-sided carrying case includes a lower
compartment, with the lower compartment including a plurality of
sidewalls, a top wall and a bottom wall. A first upper compartment
is provided, with the first upper compartment having a plurality of
sidewalls, a top wall, and a bottom wall, and with the first upper
compartment pivotally meeting the lower compartment along a first
line of intersection. A second upper compartment is disclosed, with
the second upper compartment having a plurality of sidewalls, a top
wall, and a bottom wall, and with the second upper compartment
pivotally meeting the first upper compartment along a second line
of intersection. The first and second upper compartments are both
pivotable about their respective lines of intersection between
folded positions in which the first and second upper compartments
overlie the lower compartment and unfolded positions.
Inventors: |
Bernbaum, L. Harrison; (Lake
Forest, IL) ; Vermillion, Scott A.; (Chicago,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARSHALL, GERSTEIN & BORUN LLP
6300 SEARS TOWER
233 S. WACKER DRIVE
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Assignee: |
HIGH SIERRA SPORT COMPANY
880 Corporate Woods Parkway
Vernon Hills
IL
60061-3164
|
Family ID: |
26921280 |
Appl. No.: |
10/660145 |
Filed: |
September 11, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10660145 |
Sep 11, 2003 |
|
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|
09759683 |
Jan 12, 2001 |
|
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|
6644448 |
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60227214 |
Aug 23, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
190/109 ;
190/111; 190/114; 190/115 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10S 190/903 20130101;
A45C 5/14 20130101; A45C 13/02 20130101; A45C 13/10 20130101; A45C
3/00 20130101; A45C 13/005 20130101; A45C 7/0054 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/109 ;
190/111; 190/114; 190/115 |
International
Class: |
A45C 003/00; A45C
013/00; A45C 013/30 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. A soft-sided carrying case comprising: a primary compartment,
the primary compartment including a plurality of sidewalls, a top
wall and a bottom wall, a first one of the sidewalls and a second
one of the sidewalls each formed of a flexible fabric material
including an extended portion; a first upper compartment, the first
upper compartment having a plurality of sidewalls, a top wall, and
a bottom wall, one of the sidewalls of the first upper compartment
being formed of the same contiguous piece of flexible fabric
material as the first sidewall of the primary compartment, the
sidewall of the first upper compartment and the first sidewall of
the primary compartment defining a first hinge line generally
adjacent to an interface defined between the primary compartment
and the first upper compartment, the first hinge line permitting
the first upper compartment to pivot about the first hinge line
between a folded position and an unfolded position; and a second
upper compartment, the second upper compartment having a plurality
of sidewalls, a top wall, and a bottom wall, one of the sidewalls
of the second upper compartment being formed of the same contiguous
piece of flexible fabric material as the second sidewall of the
primary compartment, the sidewall of the second upper compartment
and the first sidewall of the primary compartment defining a second
hinge line generally adjacent to an interface defined between the
primary compartment and the second upper compartment, the second
hinge line permitting the second upper compartment to pivot about
the second hinge line between a folded position and an unfolded
position; and the carrying case including a pair of wheels and an
extendable handle.
2. The soft-sided carrying case of claim 1, including a releasable
closure engaging the first and second upper compartments for
maintaining the first and second upper compartments in their
respective closed positions.
3. The soft-sided carrying case of claim 2, wherein the closure
includes at least one strap.
4. The soft-sided carrying case of claim 3, wherein the strap
includes a releasable fastener.
5. The soft-sided carrying case of claim 1, wherein the primary
compartment includes a closing flap.
6. The soft sided carrying case of claim 5, wherein the closing
flap is secured in a closed position by a releasable fastener.
7. The soft sided carrying case of claim 1, wherein the primary
compartment includes a top wall, and wherein each of the upper
compartments includes a closing flap, at least a portion of the
closing flap of each upper compartment being disposed in
confronting relationship with the top wall of the primary
compartment when the respective upper compartment is in the folded
position, and further wherein the first and second hinge lines are
adapted such that the closing flap of each upper compartment and
the top wall of the primary compartment are disposed in a common
plane when the respective upper compartments are in the unfolded
position.
8. The soft sided carrying case of claim 7, wherein the closing
flap of each of the upper compartments is secured in a closed
position by a fastener.
9. The soft-sided carrying case of claim 7, wherein the closing
flap of each of the upper compartments is defined at least in part
by the bottom wall of the respective upper compartment.
10. A soft sided carrying case comprising: a lower compartment, the
lower compartment including a plurality of sidewalls, a top wall
and a bottom wall; a first upper compartment, the first upper
compartment having a plurality of sidewalls, a top wall, and a
bottom wall; a first hinge pivotally joining the first upper
compartment to the lower compartment along a first hinge line, the
first hinge permitting the first upper compartment to pivot about
the first hinge line between a folded position and an unfolded
position; a second upper compartment, the second upper compartment
having a plurality of sidewalls, a top wall, and a bottom wall; a
second hinge pivotally joining the second upper compartment to the
lower compartment along a second hinge line, the second hinge
permitting the second upper compartment to pivot about the second
hinge line between a folded position and an unfolded position; a
plurality of wheels; and an extendable handle.
11. The soft-sided carrying case of claim 10, including a closure
mechanism engaging the first and second upper compartments for
maintaining the first and second upper compartments in their
respective closed positions.
12. The soft-sided carrying case of claim 11, wherein the closure
mechanism includes a releasable fastener.
13. The soft-sided carrying case of claim 10, wherein the lower
compartment and the first and second upper compartments each
include includes a closing flap.
14. The soft-sided carrying case of claim 13, wherein each of the
closing flaps are secured in a closed position by a releasable
fastener.
15. The soft-sided carrying case of claim 10, wherein a first
sidewall of the lower compartment includes an extended portion that
extends to form at least a portion of a first sidewall of the first
upper compartment, and wherein a second sidewall of the lower
compartment includes an extended portion that extends to form at
least a portion of a first sidewall of the second upper
compartment, and wherein the first hinge and the second hinge are
defined exclusively by the extended portions of the first sidewall
and the second sidewall, respectively.
16. A soft-sided carrying case comprising: a lower compartment, the
lower compartment including a top wall, a bottom wall, and a
surrounding sidewall; a first upper compartment, the first upper
compartment having an upper wall, a lower wall, and a surrounding
sidewall; a first fabric hinge pivotally joining the first upper
compartment to the lower compartment along a first hinge line
defined along an upper edge of the lower compartment; a second
upper compartment, the second upper compartment having an upper
wall, a lower wall, and a surrounding sidewall; a second fabric
hinge pivotally joining the second upper compartment to the lower
compartment along a second hinge line defined along an upper edge
of the lower compartment; both of the upper compartments having a
bottom wall in contact with the top wall of the lower compartment
when the upper compartments are in their respective folded
positions; at least one flexible reinforcement member applied
adjacent to each of the first and second fabric hinges, each
reinforcement member engaging the lower compartment and an adjacent
one of the first and second upper compartments, the reinforcement
member arranged to reinforce the hinges when the upper compartments
are in their respective folded positions and when the upper
compartments are in their respective unfolded positions; a
plurality of wheels; and an extendable handle.
17. The soft-sided carrying case of claim 16, wherein the at least
one reinforcement member comprises a sewn in place fabric
strap.
18. The soft-sided carrying case of claim 16, wherein the at least
one reinforcement member comprises a fabric strap secured by a
fastener, and wherein the fastener includes an item selected from
the group consisting of snaps, buttons, hook and loop closures,
rivets, and zippers.
19. A soft-sided carrying case comprising: a lower compartment, the
lower compartment including a top wall, a bottom wall, and an
encircling sidewall; a first upper compartment, the first upper
compartment having an upper wall, a lower wall, and an encircling
sidewall; a first hinge pivotally joining the first upper
compartment to the lower compartment along a first hinge line, the
first hinge permitting the first upper compartment to pivot about
the first hinge line between a folded position and an unfolded
position; a second upper compartment, the second upper compartment
having an upper wall, a lower wall, and an encircling sidewall; a
second hinge pivotally joining the second upper compartment to the
lower compartment along a second hinge line, the second hinge
permitting the second upper compartment to pivot about the second
hinge line between a folded position and an unfolded position; and
each of the first and second hinges is defined exclusively by at
least one sewn in place fabric strap, the fabric strap including a
first edge engaging the lower compartment and a second edge
engaging an adjacent one of the first or the second upper
compartments, and further wherein the first edge of each strap is
engaged by a lower overlapping fabric member secured to the lower
compartment, and wherein the second edge of each strap is engaged
by an upper overlapping fabric member secured to the upper
compartment.
20. The soft-sided carrying case of claim 19, wherein the
overlapping members are secured to the strap by bartack stitching.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 09/759,683, entitled "Soft-Sided Carrying Case" and filed Jan.
12, 2001, which is a non-provisional application claiming priority
from Provisional Application Serial No. 60/227,214, filed Aug. 23,
2000.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to soft-sided carrying cases.
More specifically, the present invention relates to a soft-sided
carrying case having a number of compartments, with at least some
of the compartments being shiftable between folded and unfolded
positions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Soft-sided luggage or soft-sided carrying cases are
generally well known in the art. Soft-sided carrying cases
typically offer one or more distinct advantages over conventional
luggage. For example, soft-sided luggage is typically lighter
weight than conventional luggage, it can typically be carried using
a shoulder strap, it typically includes external pockets that can
be accessed without completely opening the case, and, if it is well
built, it is less prone to damage from improper handling.
[0004] Despite the popularity of known soft-sided carrying cases or
luggage, there is a continuing need for improved soft-sided
luggage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] Certain features and advantages in the apparatus disclosed
and claimed herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art
from the following detailed descriptions and the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a soft-sided
carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of a first
preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the soft-sided carrying case
of claim 1 shown with the upper compartments opened to their
unfolded positions;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 2 but
illustrating the flaps to the various compartments opened;
[0009] FIG. 3A is a perspective view similar to FIG. 2 but showing
an alternate form for the panels or flaps;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the device of FIGS. 1-3 but
illustrating an optional leg assembly;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a view of the device of FIG. 4 but taken from a
different perspective;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying case
assembled in accordance with the teachings of a second preferred
embodiment of the invention;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying case
assembled in accordance with the teachings of a third preferred
embodiment of the invention;
[0014] FIGS. 7A(i) through 7A(v) are enlarged fragmentary
cross-sectional views of a number of alternative arrangements in
the area of the hinge line, which alternative arrangements are
equally applicable to any of the embodiments disclosed herein;
[0015] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 7 but
illustrating the upper compartments in the unfolded positions;
[0016] FIG. 8A(i) through 8A(v) are enlarged fragmentary views in
perspective taken about the circumscribed portion of FIG. 8 and
illustrating a number of alternative details in the area
surrounding the hinge, which details are equally applicable to any
of the embodiments disclosed herein;
[0017] FIG. 8B(i) through 8B(v) are enlarged fragmentary
elevational views taken about the circumscribed portion of FIG. 7
and illustrating alternative details similar to those shown in
FIGS. 8A(i) through 8A(v), but illustrating those details applied
to the outside surface of the soft-sided carrying case;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying case
assembled in accordance with the teachings of a fourth preferred
embodiment of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 9 but
illustrating the upper compartments in the unfolded positions;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying case
assembled in accordance with the teachings of a fifth preferred
embodiment of the invention;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 11 but
illustrating the upper compartments in the unfolded positions;
[0022] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying case
assembled in accordance with the teachings of a sixth preferred
embodiment of the invention;
[0023] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 13 but
illustrating the upper compartments in the unfolded positions;
[0024] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying case
assembled in accordance with the teachings of a seventh preferred
embodiment of the invention;
[0025] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 15 but
illustrating all of the upper compartments in the unfolded
positions;
[0026] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of two of the upper
compartments that have been separated from the balance of the
soft-sided carrying case of any of the previously shown embodiments
and which are being shown being attached to each other to form an
additional smaller soft-sided carrying case;
[0027] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying case
assembled in accordance with the teachings of an eighth preferred
embodiment of the invention;
[0028] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 18 but
illustrating the upper compartments in the unfolded positions;
[0029] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying case
assembled in accordance with the teachings of a ninth preferred
embodiment of the invention;
[0030] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 20 but
illustrating the upper compartments in the unfolded positions;
[0031] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying case
assembled in accordance with the teachings of a tenth preferred
embodiment of the invention;
[0032] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 22 but
illustrating the upper compartments in partially unfolded
positions;
[0033] FIG. 24 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 23 but
illustrating the upper compartments in more fully unfolded
positions;
[0034] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a soft-sided carrying case
assembled in accordance with the teachings of yet another preferred
embodiment of the invention; and
[0035] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 2 but
illustrating the upper compartments in unfolded positions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0036] The following description of the preferred embodiments is
not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the precise
forms disclosed, but instead is intended to be illustrative of the
principles of the invention so that others skilled in the art may
follow its teachings.
[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3 of the drawings, a soft-sided
carrying case assembled in accordance with the teachings of the
present invention is generally referred to by the reference numeral
10. The soft-sided carrying case generally includes four sidewalls
10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d, a bottom wall 10e and a top wall 10f (FIG.
1). The case 10 further includes a lower compartment 12 and a pair
of upper compartments 14 and 16. The lower compartment 12 includes
a plurality of sidewalls 12a, 12b 12c, and 12d. The lower
compartment 12 also includes a bottom wall 12e and a top wall 12f
(visible in FIGS. 2 and 3). The first upper compartment 14 includes
four sidewalls 14a, 14b, 14c (obscured in FIG. 1 but visible in
FIGS. 2 and 3), and 14d. The first upper compartment 14 also
includes a bottom wall 14e and a top wall 14f (the bottom wall 14e
being visible in FIGS. 2 and 3). The second upper compartment 16
includes sidewalls 16a, 16b, 16c (visible in FIG. 3), and 16d. The
second upper compartment also includes a bottom wall 16e and a top
wall 16f (visible in FIG. 2). The first and second upper
compartments 14, 16 are separated from the lower compartment 12 by
a boundary or interface 18.
[0038] As will be outlined in greater detail below, the first upper
compartment 14 is pivotable about a first hinge line 14g between
the closed or folded position of FIG. 1 and the open or unfolded
positions of FIGS. 2 and 3. Similarly, the second upper compartment
16 is pivotable about a hinge line 16g between the closed or folded
position of FIG. 1 and the open or unfolded positions of FIGS. 2
and 3. It will be noted that the hinge lines 14g and 16g are
generally adjacent to the interface 18 (i.e., the hinge lines 14g
and 16g may lie in the same plane as the interface 18).
[0039] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 3, it will be noted
that the sidewall 14a of the first upper compartment 14 is
generally contiguous with the sidewall 12a of the lower compartment
(i.e., the sidewall 14a of the first upper compartment 14 is an
extension of the sidewall 12a of the lower compartment). Similarly,
the sidewall 16a of the second upper compartment 16 is contiguous
with or is an extension of the sidewall 12c of the lower
compartment 12.
[0040] The soft-sided carrying case 10 preferably includes a zipper
20 which engages each of the first and second upper compartments
14, 16 in order to secure each of the first and second upper
compartments 14, 16 in their respective closed positions, such as
is shown in FIG. 1. Upon release of the zipper 20, the first and
second upper compartments 14, 16 may be pivoted about their
respective hinge lines 14g, 16g to their respective unfolded
positions as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The zipper 20 may be disposed
along a longitudinal edge 14h, 16h (FIG. 1), of the first and
second upper compartments 14, 16.
[0041] Instead of the zipper 20, it will be appreciated that
alternate closure mechanisms may be provided in order to secure the
first and second upper compartments 14, 16 in there respective
folded positions. At least some of these possible alternate
mechanisms are discussed below with respect to other forms of
preferred embodiments. It will be understood that the closure
mechanisms of the various embodiments may be readily substituted
for each other as would be apparent to those of skill in the
art.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 1, the soft-sided carrying case 10 will
preferably include a handle 22, which in the preferred embodiment
shown will include a pair of straps 22a, 22b, which straps 22a
and/or 22b may be removably attached to the soft-sided carrying
case 10 by a releaseable mechanism such as one or more buckles 24,
such as commercially available Litelocke buckles. Alternatively,
the straps 22a and 22b may be permanently affixed to the soft-sided
case 10, such as by sewing, etc. The straps 22a and 22b will
preferably be joinable to form the handle 22 using a section 25 of
flexible material which is joinable using hook and loop closures or
similar material as is known in the art. Additional handles 26, 28
may also be provided as desired, with the number of additional
handles being within the choice of the designer. At least one of
the handles (i.e., the handle 28) may be extendable, and when used
in conjunction with a plurality of wheels 30 will enable the
soft-sided carrying case 10 to be wheeled in a fashion similar to a
luggage cart. The handle 28 may be made of commercially available
materials, and further will preferably have a telescoping handle
28a enabling the entire handle 28 to be stowed in a zipper pocket
in the bottom wall 10e of the carrying case 10. The wheels 30 are
preferably commercially available in-line skate style wheels using
sealed ball bearings. Other commercially available wheels may also
be used.
[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the lower compartment 12
preferably includes one or more panels or flaps 32a, 32b in the top
wall 12f of the lower compartment 12. As shown, the flaps 32a, 32b
each include a zipper 34, which enable the flaps 32a, 32b to be
opened as shown in FIG. 3 to provide access to the lower
compartment 12. It will be appreciated that one or more interior
dividers 36 may be provided as desired inside the lower compartment
12.
[0044] Each of the bottom walls 14f, 16f of the first and second
upper compartments 14, 16, respectively, will preferably include a
panel or flap 36a, 36b, respectively. A zipper 38 maybe provided
for each of the flaps 36a, 36b, thus enabling the flaps 36a, 36b to
be secured in the closed position shown in FIG. 2 or opened to
provide access to the first and second upper compartments 14, 16,
as is shown in FIG. 3. One or more interior dividers 40 may be
provided in either of the upper compartments 14, 16.
[0045] It will be appreciated that the soft-sided carrying case 10
may include additional compartments, such as side compartments or
pockets (not shown) and/or end compartments or pockets (not shown),
all of which are commonly used in the art. The soft-sided carrying
case 10 may also include one or more mesh pockets of known
construction.
[0046] The zippers used herein are preferably heavy-duty zippers,
which zippers preferably have been taped as is known in the art.
Further, the soft-sided case 10 may constructed of any one of a
variety of commercially available fabrics and/or materials, all of
which may be chosen based on design considerations for the specific
application and all of which would be known to those of skill in
the art. Rip-stop materials, which are readily available, may also
be used.
[0047] In operation, the soft-sided carrying case 10 would normally
be used and/or transported in the configuration of FIG. 1 with the
first and second upper compartments 14, 16 in their respective
closed or folded positions, generally overlying the lower
compartment 12. The zipper 20 is shown securing the upper
compartments 14, 16 in the folded positions. Using the section 25
the straps 22a and 22b may be joined together to form the handle
22. It will be understood that the soft-sided carrying case 10 may
be readily assembled using known methods of manufacturing.
[0048] When it is desired to access the lower compartment and/or
the first and second upper compartments 14, 16, the zipper 20 (or
other closing mechanism) should be disengaged, as should the
section 25 holding the straps 22a and 22b together. Either or both
of the upper compartments 14, 16 may be pivoted about their
respective hinge lines 14g, 16g to the unfolded positions shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3. Access to the upper compartments 14, 16 may be
gained by disengaging the zippers 38 (or other closing mechanism),
thus enabling the flaps 36a and 36b to be opened. Access to the
lower compartment 12 is gained by disengaging the zippers 34 (or
other closing mechanism) thus enabling the flaps 32a and/or 32b to
be opened.
[0049] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3 the hinge line 14g may be
defined solely by a flexible portion 10g of the sidewall 10a, while
the hinge line 16g may be formed solely by a flexible portion 10h
of the sidewall 10c, with no actual physical hinge structure being
employed. It will be appreciated that the flexible portions 10g and
10h are disposed substantially in line with the interface 18
between the lower compartment 12 and the first and second upper
compartments 14 and 16. Alternatively, the hinge lines 14g and 16g
may be defined by actual physical hinge structures as shown and
described below with respect to the other embodiments.
[0050] Each of the upper compartments 14, 16 may also include an
additional exterior flap or zipper (not shown) in order to provide
access to the first and second upper compartments 14, 16 without
pivoting the upper compartments 14, 16 to their unfolded positions.
Further, additional side pockets may be provided on the soft-sided
carrying case 10 in a manner that is known to those skilled in the
art. Further, it will be understood that the bottom wall 10e may be
constructed of a relatively stiff material or a rigid material for
greater durability. Such relatively stiff and/or rigid materials
are known to those skilled in the art and are readily
available.
[0051] Compression straps (not shown) may be provided in order to
secure the upper compartments in their closed positions.
[0052] Also, it will further be appreciated that zippers shown
above may be replaced with any number of known closing or securing
mechanisms, such as, by way of example and not limitation, straps,
buckles, snaps, buttons, and hook and loop closure materials.
[0053] Referring now to FIG. 3A, an alternate form for the
soft-sided carrying case is shown, also designated as 10 for ease
of reference. The soft-sided carrying case 10 illustrated therein
is substantially similar to the soft-sided case 10 discussed above,
with each of the like elements retaining the same reference
characters. As shown in FIG. 3A, the lower compartment 12 includes
only a single flap 32a with a zipper 34. It will be appreciated
that the lower compartment 12 may include additional access flaps
(not shown), with the actual number and configuration of the access
flaps being governed by design considerations.
[0054] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, any of the embodiments of
the soft-sided carrying case disclosed herein may optionally be
equipped with a retractable stand 42. In the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 4 and 5, the soft-sided carrying case 10 is shown equipped
with the optional stand 42. As shown in FIG. 5, the stand 42 may
include a pair of legs 44 and 46. The leg 44 includes an upper end
44a attached to the soft-sided carrying case 10 by a pivot 44b,
while the leg 46 includes an upper end 46a attached to the
soft-sided case 10 by a pivot 46b. A cross bar 48 is disposed to
connect a lower end 44c of the leg 44 to a lower end 46c of the leg
46. A strap 50 engages the cross bar 48 and the case 10 in order to
limit the extension of the stand 42 away from the case 10. A pair
of hook and loop retaining straps 52 are provided in order to
retain the stand 42 in a retracted position against the bottom wall
10e of the carrying case 10 when the stand 42 is not in use.
[0055] Referring now to FIG. 6, a soft-sided carrying case
assembled in accordance with the teachings of a second preferred
embodiment of the invention is generally referred to by the
reference numeral 110. For ease of reference, all elements that are
the same or similar to the elements described above with respect to
the first embodiment will retain the same reference numerals, but
which have been increased by 100. The soft-sided carrying case 110
generally includes four sidewalls 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d, a
bottom wall 110e, which may be rigid, and a top wall. The case 110
further includes a lower compartment 112 and a pair of upper
compartments 114 and 116. The lower compartment 112 includes a
plurality of sidewalls 112a, 112b, 112c, and 112d. The lower
compartment 112 also includes a bottom wall 112e. It will be noted
that no top wall is shown for the compartment 112, with the upper
extent of the compartment 112 being defined upon the closing of the
compartments 114 and 116. Alternatively, a top wall (not shown) or
a mesh panel (not shown) may be provided.
[0056] The first upper compartment 114 includes encircling
sidewalls 114a, a bottom wall 114e and a top wall 114f, which may
be defined by a flap or a mesh panel. The second upper compartment
116 includes sidewalls 116a, and includes a bottom wall 16e and a
top wall 16f, which may be defined by a flap or a mesh panel. The
first and second upper compartments 114, 116 are pivotally joined
to the lower compartment 112 by one or more hinges 14g, 16g which
lie along an interface 118 between the upper compartments 114, 116
and the lower compartment 112, and which permit pivotal movement of
the upper compartments between the folded positions (i.e., with the
upper compartments 114, 116 disposed above the lower compartment
112 in the manner described above with respect to the first
embodiment) and the open or unfolded positions shown in FIG. 6.
Preferably, the embodiment of FIG. 6 will include a seal 119
disposed at the interface 118 of the lower compartment 112 and the
upper compartments 114, 116. Flaps 136a, 136b are provided for the
compartments 114, 116, respectively, each of the flaps 136a and
136b being closeable with a zipper 138 or similar closing
mechanism. The carrying case 110 preferably includes one or more
closing buckles 120. The soft-sided carrying case 110 will also
preferably include one or more handles 126, 128, with the handles
128 being extendable. A plurality of wheels (not shown) may also be
provided.
[0057] Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, a soft-sided carrying case
assembled in accordance with the teachings of a third preferred
embodiment of the invention is generally referred to by the
reference numeral 210. For ease of reference, all elements that are
the same or similar to the elements described above with respect to
the first embodiment will retain the same reference numerals, but
which have been increased by 200. The soft-sided carrying case 210
generally includes four sidewalls 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d, a
bottom wall 210e and a top wall 210f. The case 210 further includes
a lower compartment 212 and a pair of upper compartments 214 and
216. The lower compartment 212 includes a plurality of sidewalls
212a, 212b, 212c, and 212d. The lower compartment 212 also includes
a bottom wall 212e and a top wall 212f(FIG. 8).
[0058] The first upper compartment 214 includes a plurality of
sidewalls 214a, a bottom wall 214e (FIG. 8) and a top wall 214f
(FIG. 7). The second upper compartment 216 includes a plurality of
sidewalls 216A, and includes a bottom wall 216e (FIG. 8) and a top
wall 216f (FIG. 7). The first and second upper compartments 214,
216 are pivotally joined to the lower compartment 212 by a flexible
fabric hinge 214h, 216h, respectively, defined in the sidewalls
210b and 210d of the soft-sided carrying case 210, and lying
generally along an interface 218 between the upper compartments
214, 216 and the lower compartment 212. The fabric hinges 214h,
216h permit pivotal movement of the upper compartments 214, 216
between the folded positions (i.e., with the upper compartments
214, 216 disposed above the lower compartment 212 in the manner
described above with respect to the first embodiment) and the open
or unfolded positions shown in FIG. 8.
[0059] An access flap 232a having a zipper 234 is provided in the
top wall 212f of the lower compartment 212. Flaps 236a, 236b are
provided for the compartments 214, 216, respectively, each of the
flaps 236a and 236b being closeable with a zipper 238 or similar
closing mechanism. The carrying case 210 preferably includes one or
more sections of hook and loop closure mechanisms 220.
Alternatively, straps or other mechanisms may be used. The
soft-sided carrying case 210 will also preferably include a
shoulder strap 226 (FIG. 7), or a handle (not shown).
[0060] Referring now to FIGS. 7A(i) through 7A(v), alternative
details are shown for the construction of the soft-sided carrying
case 210 in the region of the hinge line 216h. It will be
understood that the details shown therein are equally applicable to
the hinge line 214h, and also are equally applicable to any of the
other embodiments described herein. However, for the sake of
brevity, the details will be discussed only with respect to the
embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8. For ease of reference, to the extent
possible similar elements will retain like reference numerals
through each of FIGS. 7A(i) through 7A(v).
[0061] As shown in FIG. 7A(i), a fabric strap 217 having an upper
edge 217a and a lower edge 217b is secured to the soft-sided
carrying case 210. The upper edge 217a is secured to the upper
compartment 216 by a line of stitching 217c, while the lower edge
217b is secured to the lower compartment 21 by a line of stitching
217d. Two additional straps 219a and 219b are provided, with the
strap 219a being stitched to the upper edge 217a as well as to the
upper compartment 216, and with the strap 219b being stitched to
the lower edge 217b as well as to the lower compartment 212.
Preferably, the lines of stitching may be bartack stitching for
greater durability in high stress areas.
[0062] As shown in FIG. 7A(ii), a single fabric strap 217 may be
employed, having an upper edge 217a stitched at 217c to the upper
compartment 216, and further having a lower edge 217b stitched at
217d to the lower compartment 212.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 7A(iii), a line of piping 217 may be
employed along the hinge line 216h.
[0064] As shown in FIG. 7A(iv), a zipper 217 may be disposed along
the hinge line 216h. The zipper 217 is preferably a #8 or #10
heavy-duty, taped, clear coil zipper.
[0065] FIG. 7A(v) is similar in all respects to FIG. 7A(i), except
for the addition of a line of stitching 217 at the hinge line 216h
which may be required when the upper compartment 216 and the lower
compartment 212 are manufactured of dissimilar materials or
dissimilar colors.
[0066] Referring now to FIGS. 8A(i) through 8A(v), further
alternative details are shown for the construction of the
soft-sided carrying case 210 in the region of the hinge line 216h.
It will again be understood that the details shown therein are
equally applicable to the hinge line 214h, and also are equally
applicable to any of the other embodiments described herein. Again,
for the sake of brevity, the details will be discussed only with
respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8. For ease of reference,
to the extent possible similar elements will retain like reference
numerals through each of FIGS. 7A(i) through 7A(v).
[0067] As shown in each of FIGS. 8A(i) through 8A(v), a fabric
strap 217 having edges 217a and 217b is secured to each of the
upper and lower compartments shown, 216 and 212, respectively. In
each of the details shown, the straps are secured such that the
straps 217 are only revealed upon opening of the upper compartment
216 to its unfolded position. In FIG. 8A(i), the strap 217 is
secured by one or more fasteners 217c, such as a snap, a rivet, a
threaded bolt, a button, or any other suitable fastener, either
alone or in combination with stitching.
[0068] FIGS. 8A(ii) and 8A(iii) illustrate straps 217 having
different overall dimensions secured by bartack stitching. FIGS.
8A(iv) and 8A(v) illustrate straps 217 secured in a manner similar
to that shown in FIGS. 7A(i) and (ii), albeit with the details
being applied to the inside of the hinge line 216h rather than to
the outside of the case 210.
[0069] Referring now to FIGS. 8B(i) through 8B(v), illustrated
therein are arrangements similar to FIGS. 8A(i) through (v), but
with each of the respective arrangements being shown secured to the
outside of the soft-sided carrying case 210.
[0070] Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, a soft-sided carrying case
assembled in accordance with the teachings of a fourth preferred
embodiment of the invention is generally referred to by the
reference numeral 310. For ease of reference, all elements that are
the same or similar to the elements described above with respect to
the first embodiment will retain the same reference numerals, but
which have been increased by 300. The soft-sided carrying case 310
generally includes four sidewalls 310a, 310b, 310c, and 310d, a
bottom wall 310e and a top wall 310f. The case 310 further includes
a lower compartment 312 and a pair of upper compartments 314 and
316. The lower compartment 312 includes a plurality of sidewalls
312a, 312b, 312c, and 312d. The lower compartment 312 also includes
a bottom wall 312e and a top wall 312f (FIG. 10).
[0071] The first upper compartment 314 includes a plurality of
sidewalls 314a, a bottom wall 314e (FIG. 10) and a top wall 314f.
The second upper compartment 316 includes a plurality of sidewalls
316a, and includes a bottom wall 316e and a top wall 316f. The
first and second upper compartments 314, 316 are pivotally joined
to the lower compartment 312 along a pair of hinge lines 314g,
316g, respectively, defined in the sidewalls 310b and 310d of the
soft-sided carrying case 310 by a two lines of stitching 314h,
316h, respectively. The lines of stitching 314h, 316h are disposed
lying generally along an interface 318 between the upper
compartments 314, 316 and the lower compartment 312. Other
suitable, hinges may be employed. Thus, the upper compartments 314,
316 are shiftable between the folded positions (i.e., with the
upper compartments 314, 316 disposed above the lower compartment
312 in the manner described above with respect to the first
embodiment) and the open or unfolded positions shown in FIG.
10.
[0072] An access flap 332a having a zipper 334 is provided in the
top wall 312f of the lower compartment 312. Flaps 336a, 336b are
provided for the compartments 314, 316, respectively, each of the
flaps 336a and 336b being closeable with a zipper 338 or similar
closing mechanism. The carrying case 310 preferably includes one or
more sections of hook and loop closure mechanisms 320.
Alternatively, straps or other mechanisms may be used. The
soft-sided carrying case 310 will also preferably include a
suitable handle 322 and or an extendable handle 328.
[0073] Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, a soft-sided carrying case
assembled in accordance with the teachings of a fifth preferred
embodiment of the invention is generally referred to by the
reference numeral 410. For ease of reference, all elements that are
the same or similar to the elements described above with respect to
the first embodiment will retain the same reference numerals, but
which have been increased by 400. The soft-sided carrying case 410
generally includes four sidewalls 410a, 410b, 410c, and 410d, a
bottom wall 410e and a top wall 410f. The case 410 further includes
a lower compartment 412 and a pair of upper compartments 414 and
416. The lower compartment 412 includes a plurality of sidewalls
412a, 412b, 412c, and 412d. The lower compartment 412 also includes
a bottom wall 412e and a top wall 412f(FIG. 12).
[0074] The first upper compartment 414 includes a plurality of
sidewalls 414a, a bottom wall 414e (FIG. 12) and a top wall 414f.
The second upper compartment 416 includes a plurality of sidewalls
416a, and includes a bottom wall 416e (FIG. 12) and a top wall
416f. The first and second upper compartments 414, 416 are
pivotally joined to the lower compartment 412 along a pair of hinge
lines 414g, 416g, respectively, defined in the sidewalls 410a and
410c of the soft-sided carrying case 410 by a releasable zippers
414h, 416h, respectively. The zippers 414h, 416h are disposed lying
generally along an interface 418 between the upper compartments
414, 416 and the lower compartment 412. Other suitable releasable
mechanisms may be employed. Thus, the upper compartments 414, 416
are shiftable between the folded positions (i.e., with the upper
compartments 414, 416 disposed above the lower compartment 412 in
the manner described above with respect to the first embodiment)
and the open or unfolded positions shown in FIG. 12.
[0075] As with the above embodiments, suitable access flaps may be
provided to provide access to the various compartments. Also,
carrying case 410 preferably includes one or more closing straps
420, each of which may include one or more buckles 421 or other
suitable releasable closing mechanisms, such as straps having hook
and loop closures, snaps, buttons, etc. The soft-sided carrying
case 410 will also preferably include a suitable handle, such as
the handle 422.
[0076] Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, a soft-sided carrying case
assembled in accordance with the teachings of a fifth preferred
embodiment of the invention is generally referred to by the
reference numeral 510. For ease of reference, all elements that are
the same or similar to the elements described above with respect to
the first embodiment will retain the same reference numerals, but
which have been increased by 500. The soft-sided carrying case 510
generally includes four sidewalls 510a, 510b, 510c, and 510d, a
bottom wall 510e and a top wall 510f. The case 510 further includes
a lower compartment 512 and a pair of upper compartments 514 and
516. The lower compartment 512 includes a plurality of sidewalls
512a, 512b, 512c, and 512d. The lower compartment 512 also includes
a bottom wall 512e and a top wall 512f (FIG. 14).
[0077] The first upper compartment 514 includes a plurality of
sidewalls 514a, a bottom wall 514e (FIG. 14) and a top wall 514f.
The second upper compartment 516 includes a plurality of sidewalls
516a, and includes a bottom wall 516e (FIG. 14) and a top wall
516f. The first and second upper compartments 514, 516 are
pivotally joined to the lower compartment 512 along a pair of hinge
lines 514g, 516g, respectively, defined in the sidewalls 510b and
510d of the soft-sided carrying case 510 by lines of stitching
514h, 516, respectively. The lines of stitching 514h, 516h are
disposed lying generally along an interface 518 between the upper
compartments 514, 516 and the lower compartment 512. Other suitable
hinge mechanisms may be employed. Thus, the upper compartments 514,
516 are shiftable between the folded positions (i.e., with the
upper compartments 514, 516 disposed above the lower compartment
512 in the manner described above with respect to the first
embodiment) and the open or unfolded positions shown in FIG.
14.
[0078] As with the above embodiments, suitable internal and/or
external access flaps may be provided to provide access to the
various compartments. Also, carrying case 510 preferably includes
one or more closing straps 520, each of which may include one or
more buckles 521 or other suitable releasable closing mechanisms,
such as straps having hook and loop closures, snaps, buttons, etc.
The soft-sided carrying case 510 will also preferably include a
suitable handle, such as the handle 522, and/or a shoulder strap
523.
[0079] Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, a soft-sided carrying case
assembled in accordance with the teachings of a sixth preferred
embodiment of the invention is generally referred to by the
reference numeral 610. For ease of reference, all elements that are
the same or similar to the elements described above with respect to
the first embodiment will retain the same reference numerals, but
which have been increased by 600. The soft-sided carrying case 610
generally includes four sidewalls 610a, 610b, 610c, and 610d, a
bottom wall 610e and a top wall 610f. The case 610 further includes
a lower compartment 612 and three upper compartments 614, 615, and
616. The lower compartment 612 includes a plurality of sidewalls
612a. The lower compartment 612 also includes a bottom wall 612e
and a top wall 612f (FIG. 16).
[0080] Each of the upper compartments 614, 615, and 616 includes a
plurality of sidewalls, a top wall and a bottom wall. As shown in
FIG. 16, all three compartments 614, 615, and 616 are pivotally
joined to the lower compartment 612 by hinges 614g, 615g, and 616g,
respectively, disposed along an interface 618. Thus, all three of
the upper compartments 614, 615, and 616 are shiftable between the
folded positions (i.e., with the upper compartments 614, 615,
and/or 616 disposed above the lower compartment 612) and the open
or unfolded positions shown in FIG. 16.
[0081] FIG. 17 illustrates the manner by which any of the upper
compartments of the previously mentioned embodiments (for example,
the upper compartments 414 and 416 of the embodiment of FIGS. 11
and 12) may be removed from the case and may be joined together to
form a second, smaller carrying case 411. A handle (not shown) may
be provided.
[0082] FIGS. 18-21 illustrate two different configurations for a
tri-fold soft-sided carrying case assembled in accordance with the
teachings of still further embodiments of the present invention,
each designated as 710. The cases 710 shown therein each include a
lower compartment 712 and pair of upper compartments 714 and 716.
It will be noted that the hinge lines 714h and 716h are in
different planes when the cases 710 are in the folded positions of
FIGS. 18 and 20. The remainder of the cases shown therein may be
constructed in accordance with the teachings of the above-described
embodiments.
[0083] FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate a soft-sided carrying case 810
having a plurality of compartments 812, 814, 816, 818, and 820. The
compartments 814 and 816 pivot about vertical hinge lines 814h and
816h, while the compartment 818 may pivot about a horizontal hinge
line 818h (FIG. 23). The compartment 820 my be removable as shown
in FIG. 23, or may pivot about a hinge line 820h (FIG. 23).
[0084] FIGS. 24-26 illustrate two additional embodiments
incorporating the teachings of the present invention.
[0085] Although certain exemplary embodiments constructed in
accordance with the teachings of the invention have been described
herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited
thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all embodiments of the
teachings of the invention fairly falling within the scope of the
appended claims either literally or under the doctrine of
equivalents.
* * * * *